Respect Life Month: Radical Solidarity

October is Respect Life month — Please pray for the unborn. Respect Life Ministry would like to share a bit about the “Radical Solidarity” theme this year.

St. John Paul II first defined “radical solidarity” in this way:

“In firmly rejecting ‘pro-choice’ it is necessary to become courageously ‘pro woman,’ promoting a choice that is truly in favor of women. … The only honest stance, in these cases, is that of radical solidarity with the woman. It is not right to leave her alone.”

“Radical solidarity compels us to come alongside vulnerable mothers in profound friendship, compassion, and support for both them and their preborn children. It requires us to address the fundamental challenges that lead an expectant mother to believe she is unable to welcome the child God has entrusted to her. We must do all we can to provide mothers, children, and families with the support they need to flourish. This cannot be accomplished by laws or policy alone, but requires the continual transformation of our own hearts.”

Read the Statement on Respect Life Month by Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge Chairman, USCCB Committee on Pro-Life Activities.